As we reach the new year, it is a great time to think about new experiences and things to try for 2018. Should you find yourself in Lake District, there has never been a better selection of things to experience these days. So what would be on our list of essential things to do and see in the region? Here are some recommendations to make your next trip truly memorable. Conquer a FellEven if you

For anybody wishing to spend a less hectic, more relaxing Christmas this year, The Lake District offers a flavour of festive celebrations as they used to be. Whether it’s a traditional craft market, classic festive food and drink, or the sound of a real choir, we love the season of good cheer here in Grasmere and Ambleside. Here are just some of the reasons to come and enjoy it with us in 2017,

From fiery autumn colours and rutting stags to great seasonal events, autumn is a wonderful time in the Lake District. Here are some highlights to look forward to for October and November 2017, from right on our doorstep in Ambleside and Grasmere, to the wider area. Guided walks and autumn wildlifeWith fewer tourists and the rigours of winter ahead, much of the local wildlife is active during the

How well do you know the region of Wordsworth and Windermere? Whether you’re a regular visitor to the Lake District or not, we’ve put together this fun quiz to see how well our visitors know the Lake District. Go on, give it a try! &

You could easily spend weeks on end exploring the pretty towns and epic scenery of the Lake District. But if you only have a short break, what would we recommend? Here are a selection of our favourite activities and things to see on your next visit.Discover some of England’s prettiest villages and townsFor anyone who dreams about simpler living, with less traffic, more space and more time to relax

Besides taking to Cumbria by foot or paddle, one of the best ways to experience The Lake District is with your taste buds. Indeed, with a vibrant local scene for markets, producers and events, our food and drink scene is in rude health at present. Guests can always get a fresh taste of the best local and seasonal ingredients in our Garden Restaurant, or even indulge in one of our dedicated gourmet

As 2017 kicks into gear, many of us will already be thinking of the new experiences and travels this year. Indeed, there is no time like the present to plan a fresh adventure or perhaps even learn a new skill. So what will you try this year? Here in Cumbria it could be a journey into wild waters or even a completely new craft or hobby. Below are some great ways to experience another side of the Lake

For a flavour of traditional, crafty and distinctly Cumbrian Christmas fare, a trip to the Lake District is a great way to capture a more authentic festive experience. From gift shopping and Christmas markets to crafting workshops, family and festive food events events, it can be a wonderfully different way to get ready for Yuletide. So where do we start?Crafts and Carols at Allan Bank (Various dates

With the shorter days and rich colours of autumn reaching Grasmere, we welcome in one of the very best times of the year to visit the Lake District. Whether you are a fan of the arts, a keen collector or simply looking to do some early Christmas gift shopping, there is an awful lot going on as we approach the end of 2016!Whatever your tastes, Rothay Garden Hotel is a beautiful location to stop and

With the release today in cinemas nationally of the new film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s book, Swallows and Amazons, there is great excitement in Grasmere as the film’s stars stayed at one of the village’s leading hotels, Rothay Garden, during filming.The film’s stars, including Kelly Macdonald, Rafe Spall, Jessica Hynes, Harry Enfield and Andrew Scott, stayed at Rothay

Today sees the Head Chef at Rothay Garden – the award-winning 4-star hotel in Grasmere – celebrate 25 years at the hotel, working for owner Chris Carss all that time. Head Chef Andrew Burton arrived at Rothay Garden in 1991 with a CV which included time spent in the kitchens of the Savoy, the Connaught and the Berkeley hotels in London. Initially mistaken at his interview for

Call us biased, but we can’t imagine a more picturesque setting for a film than the Lake District, so we’re eagerly awaiting the new Swallows and Amazons adaption, filmed just minutes from Rothay Garden Hotel.Arthur Ransome’s iconic 1930 adventure novel; Swallows and Amazons is the first in a series of books by the author, which follows the exploits of characters, John, Susan, Titty and

From the grandeur of Lake Windermere to the sparkling River Rothay, the waters of the Lake District provide some of the UK's most classic scenery. But as pretty as the views are, there is little to beat getting afloat for a completely different way to experience the region. Depending on your taste, you could discover anything from adventure kayaking to fly fishing; you could try waterskiing thrills

Aside from the beautiful scenery and seclusion of the area, one of the best reasons to visit Grasmere in the summer holidays is the busy calendar of local festivals, shows and events. In the Lake District, you will find both centuries old traditions but also far more recent events to celebrate the food, arts and culture of the region. Here are some key gatherings each year: Cumbria Steam Gathering

Of course there’s never a shortage of activities and places to explore in the Lake District as a whole, but we’re also very fortunate to have a jam-packed calendar of events on our doorstep in Grasmere, and with our Summer Saver Breaks, you can enjoy all that there is to offer, for less. Here are just a few of the upcoming events this June and July:Celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in